Ranty to join RUFC

Calcutta: United SC striker Ranty Martins is joining Rangdajied United Football Club (RUFC) on a four-month loan.

The cash-strapped United SC, who finished third in the IFA Shield after beating East Bengal on Thursday, said they have given the release order and other paperwork is at the final stages.

The deadline for signing new players ends at 6 pm on Saturday. With the Nigerian striker being roped in, the Shillong-based side are doing away with Brazilian Edmar Figueira.

RUFC play Dempo in Vasco on Saturday and, obviously, Ranty will not be able to play that match. He is expected to play the March 1 match against Bengaluru FC in Shillong.

With just 12 points, RUFC are placed at the bottom of the table and Ranty’s induction will definitely be a big boost. RUFC have done well in the Federation Cup and then lost narrowly to Churchill Brothers when the I-League resumed early this week.

“We shared a very good rapport with Ranty. It’s been a good experience.”

“Hopefully he will be able to play for us again in the near future,” United SC director Nabab Bhattacharya said.

Ranty joined United SC in 2012 and was the highest scorer in the last edition of the I-League.

“I had asked for a release and United SC have been kind enough to give me the release order. Still the relevant papers need to be signed. I will not say anything more till the deal is done,” Ranty said.